5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Tuxedo
From wearing it to your wedding to having it handy for a gala, a tuxedo can be one of the most important clothing purchases in your life. Tuxedos are the highest quality suits, meaning they can be used for years after you make the purchase. For some men, tuxedos are reserved for prom and their wedding day. But what are some considerations for buying the tux outright? Here are some items to keep in mind as you start your tuxedo-buying journey:
Understanding the Occasion and Dress Code
Few events require a tuxedo as part of the dress code. However, weddings, black tie events and galas tend to call for more than the standard suit. Consider the venue of the event, and make sure you know the dress code ahead of time. Otherwise, you may end up buying a tuxedo for an occasion that calls for a simple suit.
Selecting the Right Style and Fit
Tuxedos come in a few different types of fits: traditional, modern, slim fit and ultra slim fit. The traditional fit provides a fuller silhouette, which creates a modest, classic look. A modern fit is more fashion-forward, creating a silhouette that is flattering for most body types. A slim fit, which is less traditional, can be flattering for most, and an ultra slim fit could flatter smaller frames. Once you find a tuxedo that suits your shape, consider getting it fitted. No two bodies are the same, and a custom fit can make all the difference.
Quality and Fabric Choices
A variety of fabrics can be used to make tuxedos, including wool, polyester, silk and velvet. If you’re looking to wear the tuxedo to a variety of events, consider going with higher quality fabrics. However, if you think you’ll be wearing your tuxedo once a year or less, a more economical fabric option that still looks elegant may make more sense. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s comfortable for you. Even if you’re only wearing the tuxedo once or twice, you still need to be able to wear it for the duration of an event.
Accessories and Complementary Pieces
You’re not finished when you pick the perfect tuxedo. The next steps are shopping for accessories, such as bow ties, pocket squares and cufflinks. If you plan to wear the tuxedo for multiple occasions, or if you’re looking for a more custom look, you can also consider removable lapels. The accessories can make your tuxedo look stand out or keep it more traditional — the choice is yours.
Suit Maintenance and Longevity
An important part of our tuxedo journey will be taking care of it properly, both before and after you wear it. Dry cleaning, ironing and storage techniques are all factors you will need to consider. The best way to store a tuxedo is inside of a garment bag, hung in a clean, dry enclosed space that is away from direct sunlight. If you store your tuxedo this way and clean it after every use, you can count on it to last you a long time.
We hope you’re a little more prepared now to buy your new tuxedo. The Lapel Project has what you need to complete your tuxedo look. We’re here to make men’s fashion accessible, affordable and flexible with tuxedo options and accessories. Connect with us online to get started.